Version: 2008
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Comments on: Get a Logitech Harmony 880 remote for $69.99 shipped

It's a refurb with a 90-day warranty. But it's also one of the top models in Logitech's Harmony line.

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by jayty97 October 24, 2008 4:26 AM PDT
The price is now $79.68. Still better than $140.00, just not quite as much!
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by rickbroida October 24, 2008 6:51 AM PDT
Shoot! Sorry about that. Amazon bumped the price shortly after I posted.
by jgohlke October 24, 2008 5:42 AM PDT
Nice remote, works as advertised. We've had this one for a couple of years. We are happy with it, but I wouldn't buy another one. This model is notorious for having charging problems (web search, you'll find lots of hits). You put it on the base, it looks like it is charging, but the next day, the battery is still dead. After spending way too much time researching the issue, updating the firmware, synching and re-synching...etc., I finally looked at the remote and the base station with a magnifying glass. The contacts must not mate fully, and some shorting is occurring. This causes just a bit of plastic to melt and partially cover one or both of the contacts. Now when we have this charging problem, I just scrape the contacts on the remote lightly with a knife and that fixes it. We have also had some luck using a rubber band around the remote and charging station to keep it "tight" on the contacts. Basically, it's a crappy design.
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by TommB1234 October 24, 2008 7:29 AM PDT
I had the charging problem with the one I purchased. I called them up and they replace it right away. There appeared to be a problem with the connectors from the remote making solid contact with the base station. My replacement unit has been working flawlessly for 6 months now.
by norvabear October 24, 2008 6:12 AM PDT
I have had the same charging problem with my 880. Also, the software does not have the correct configuration for my receiver buttons and the remote would not process the "learning" proceedure correctly, so I finally had to stop using mine.
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by robstak October 24, 2008 7:20 AM PDT
haha check out tom's hair... awesome. ;)
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by aasls October 24, 2008 7:31 AM PDT
I too have an 880 and am generally very happy with it. I haven't had the charging problem, but I don't think I'd buy this model again. I agree that it is easy to program and works very well. My problem is with the button layout which is vastly improved over previous models but still falls short IMO. The volume, mute, channel up/down, and prev. channel buttons are all very thin and can be difficult to use. From what I have seen, the Harmony One (which is a higher end model) has a better layout.
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by Magicland October 24, 2008 8:10 AM PDT
Refurb or not, this remote is a steal at $69. At $79, you might want to look around for a deal on a new one, as I got mine for $99 new after a $50 rebate. The thing that sets this remote (and I imagine most of the Harmony remotes) apart from most others which you have to program via macros to do what you want (ie., watch TV, watch a DVD, etc.) is that it remembers what is on and what is off when you change activities, and turns devices on and off appropriately. With most other remotes programming this functionality (especially on devices without discreet on/off commands) is a royal PITA.
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by rufustel October 24, 2008 9:42 AM PDT
Current price: $199.99.
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by j_a_s_p_e_r October 24, 2008 10:00 AM PDT
If you are a real cheapskate and a techie, then you might want to consider a cheapo remote with a JP1 programmable port (All-4-one or Radioshack). I bought one for $15 and paid $10 for a JP1 cable. The JP1 community is quite big with a lot of tools and program your remote. This is not for the technologically impaired!
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by mil2civ October 24, 2008 10:40 AM PDT
Rick - you should demand a kick back from all these businesses that seem to INCREASE the price after your posts. Never knew one man could have such power...
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by rakeshcshah October 24, 2008 11:15 AM PDT
Looks like they have jacked the price to $199.99. Which is stupid since you can buy a new Harmony One at the same price.
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by drake900 October 24, 2008 11:48 AM PDT
Rick is a stud. I have purchased many things (& missed out on a few because the sale was over) just on his recommendation alone. Somethings purchase stuff I really don't even need, but just feel compelled to do so. Keep up the good work!
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by rickbroida October 24, 2008 12:16 PM PDT
Thanks for being so understanding, folks. It drives me nuts when prices get bumped so soon after I post them. I'd like to think it's the "Cheapskate Effect," but who knows? Anyway, you all rock.
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by GeneralOSU October 24, 2008 1:10 PM PDT
Amazon runs daily special deals that often include electronics. This was one of those specials, which can last from a couple hours to a single day.
by diglow1 October 25, 2008 1:45 AM PDT
I emailed Amazon this morning as I'm sure a few others did too and it's back to $79.99 as of right now.
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About The Cheapskate

The best things in tech are cheap. "The Cheapskate" scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets, and all the other tech stuff that makes life worth living. Send your own cheapskate tips to thecheapskate@gmail.com. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.

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